More bad news for Mahopac: Would-be schools chief drops out

MAHOPAC – In the latest incident to roil the school district, the man chosen last month to replace outgoing Superintendent Thomas Manko has turned down the job, stunning trustees and district officials.

John Kopicki, who had been chosen by the school board in April after a long search to replace Manko, said he couldn't accept the position for "personal" reasons. Kopicki notified the district of his decision by email during Tuesday's school elections.

Kopicki, a superintendent at Forest City Regional schools in northeastern Pennsylvania, was one of two finalists along with Wappingers Superintendent Marco Pochintesta in Dutchess County.

"The Mahopac Board of Education must unfortunately announce that John Kopicki has decided to decline the opportunity to be the next Superintendent of Schools of the Mahopac Central School District. The Board was advised in executive session at its meeting last night that its attorney had been informed by Mr. Kopicki of his decision earlier that day," a statement by the Board of Education said. "The Board's attorney subsequently contacted Board President Michael Sclafani, who contacted Mr. Kopicki to see if there was anything the Mahopac Board of Education could possibly do to change his mind. Mr. Kopicki thanked Mr. Sclafani for the efforts and professionalism extended to him, explaining that his decision is a personal one and no reflection of the outstanding school district of Mahopac."

Applause rings out after Mahopac school officials announce Ray Cote has resigned as president of the Board of Education. Officials denounce his "chubby wubby" comments about a parent and pledge that they will "move forward." (Video by Hoa Nguyen/TJN)

The board will meet next week with its search consultant to discuss its options.

"I am just shocked. Didn't see it coming," Manko said.

Asked whether he would stay on past June, when he was supposed to leave the district, he said it was "too premature" to make a decision.

Earlier this month, board President Ray Cote resigned after he was caught on video calling a PTO volunteer a "chubby wubby." Write-in candidate Brian Mahoney claimed his seat on the school board Tuesday.

Mahopac School Board President Ray Cote makes an off-color remark about a district advocate at a recent school board meeting in this video obtained by lohud.com and The Journal News.
Provided video

In February, during a boys basketball game against Mount Vernon, whose team is black, Mahopac's student fan section briefly displayed a Confederate flag. Several students also posted racist tweets directed at the Mount Vernon team. The students involved were suspended by the district.